Jerry West: “When healthy, I think we’re going to be one of the better rebounding teams in the league”

Had a quick talk with GSW board member Jerry West before tonight’s Warriors home-opener on a couple of topics, here’s a partial transcript before I start writing my column…

—-JERRY WEST interview/

-Q: What’s the thing that strikes you most about this team vs. the one that the Warriors had last year?

-WEST: We’re deep. When you can bring three players off your bench like Landry, Jack and Rush, you have three players that are going to be better than the players they’re playing against.

But the key to our team is Bogut, obviously, I think you can see in a short period of time just the look of our team with him out there.

Also we have a really good rookie at center, too.

So we’re going from the worst rebounding team to, when healthy, I think we’re going to be one of the better rebounding teams in the league.

Even though we didn’t shoot the other night, I think it’s one of the best shooting teams in basketball.

-Q: What players are you looking closest at for development right away?

-WEST: Harrison Barnes, he’s a young player with enormous talent. He’s got a ways to go, but the luxury of being able to start him, and particularly play with Bogut. When he plays with him, that’ll make him a much more effective player because of Bogut’s ability to pass the ball and Harrison’s going to move without the ball.

It’s exciting to be around. One game doesn’t make a season. I think you’ll get an idea about this team—15, 20 games into this season you’ll get an idea about where this team is going.

-Q: How do you view the Steph Curry extension deal?

-WEST: I think it was important for the franchise. To me, it was about management.

If you’re going to let him hang out there, what’s he going to think? ‘Well, they don’t want me.’ A lot of people say what about his ankle? I think he’s healthy. The doctor says he’s healthy.

The Lawson kid gets more money. To me, they’re the same player but completely opposite for what they do for their team. I love Ty Lawson and I love what Steph does, too.